By Stephen Adeleye.
The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has urged Nigerian women and youths to renew their commitment to national development and unity as the nation celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Government House Lokoja, Mrs Ododo emphasised the importance of this milestone in reminding Nigerians of their shared responsibility to build a prosperous nation.
Mrs Ododo, represented by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Margaret Salifu, encouraged women to rise with renewed faith and hope, upholding the values of womanhood as essential partners in progress.
She stressed the critical role of youths in shaping the nation’s future and urged them to recommit themselves to the ideals of nation-building.
She further called on Nigerians to continually pray for leaders at all levels, noting that their success in delivering good governance would translate into a stronger and more prosperous country.
She commended the Nigeria’s First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for the impactful work of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), providing succour and economic empowerment to households across Nigeria.
She emphasised the special place of women in Nigeria’s journey of growth, describing them as pillars of renewed hope and mothers of the nation tasked with nurturing values, strengthening unity, and inspiring progress.
She urged women to love Nigeria deeply and commit themselves to its progress, working together to build a great nation.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatimah Momoh, expressed pride in Nigerian women’s contributions to nation-building, both at home and in governance and leadership positions.
She called on women to renew their pledge to work together to uphold the values of unity, justice, and peace.
The wife of the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hajiya Zainab Aliyu, stressed the crucial role of youths in shaping Nigeria’s future.
She appealed to them to join hands with the elderly to build a nation where peace abounds.
The President of the National Council for Women Societies, Mrs. Petra Bala-Gbogbo, commended the Kogi First Lady for her empowerment programmes for women and children in the state.
She urged women to cooperate with the Governor’s wife and offer prayers and support for the Governor’s administration.
The highlight was cutting Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary Cake, with cultural exhibitions, performances by children, comedic acts, and musical renditions by artists from Kogi.
